With the Ballon d’Or ceremony less than a week away, anticipation is mounting regarding the winner of this year’s men’s title. The judging period for the 30-player shortlist covers performances between August 3, 2025, and July 19, 2026, the date of the recent World Cup final. Nominees are assessed on individual impact, decisive character, and collective achievements.
Argentina’s representation is centered entirely on Lionel Messi, who holds a record eight titles earned between 2009 and 2023. The 39-year-old recently retired from international duty following a runner-up finish at the World Cup and a successful Major League Soccer campaign with Inter Miami. The 39-year-old has clinched the award a record eight times: 2009-2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
France remains a powerhouse with eight total awards shared among six different winners. Last year’s recipient, Ousmane Dembele, leads the French contingent, joined on this year’s shortlist by Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamecano, all of whom contributed to France’s fourth-place World Cup run. Holder Ousmane Dembele of France, and 2024 winner and Spanish midfielder Rodri, the 30-player shortlist features three former winners: eight-time winner and Argentinian icon Messi.
Portugal claims seven trophies through three icons: Eusebio (1965), Luis Figo (2000), and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose five wins occurred in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. While Ronaldo is absent from the shortlist for the fourth straight year, the nation keeps its hopes alive through nominees Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and Vitinha. In order of importance, organisers say the trophy is awarded based on three criteria. The country’s seven prizes have come courtesy of three Dutchmen.
The Netherlands also holds seven awards, largely defined by the dominance of Marco van Basten, who won three times between 1988 and 1992. Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992).
However, Dutch football has seen a decline in recent Ballon d’Or success, and no players from the country were selected for the current 2026 list. Similarly, Germany’s last winner was Matthias Sammer in 1996, and they also lack representation on the latest shortlist.
Brazil enters the mix with five titles, starting with the legendary Ronaldo in 1997. The nation is eager for its first victory in two decades, with Gabriel, Marquinhos, and Vinicius Jr. representing their hopes this year. Italy similarly holds five awards from five different players, though they have not seen a winner in over twenty years.
England, which hosted the inaugural 1956 ceremony where Stanley Matthews was crowned, is pinning its hopes on captain Harry Kane. After a prolific season scoring 73 goals for club and country, including a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich and a third-place finish at the World Cup, Kane is joined by fellow nominees Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Sport takes a look at which countries have won the most Ballon d’Or awards since the men’s prize was created in 1956. Who has had one of his best seasons, scoring 73 goals for club and country and winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, high hopes rest on English captain Kane.
Spain, buoyed by their recent World Cup victory, remains a dominant force. Following a strong performance last year, they have placed several stars on the shortlist, including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Ferran Torres. Rodri, the 2024 winner, remains a central figure in the conversation alongside defending champion Dembele.
